Cipro (Ciprofloxacin Hcl)

What is ciprofloxacin?

Cipro, generically known as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones, which is used to fight bacteria in the body. The Cipro medication is primarily used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mycobacterial infections, uncomplicated cystitis, and urinary tract infections; though it has also been used in the prevention or treatment of anthrax exposure. There are many drug interactions to watch out for and taking a course of Cipro antibiotic medication should only be done under the supervision of a physician.

Cipro antibiotic

The delivery mechanism for ciprofloxacin hcl is different than other antibiotics, including beta-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. This means that taking the Cipro medication may help to rid you of the infection even if one of these other antibiotics didn’t. While it is generally not recommended, there may be times that your physician may treat you with a Cipro antibiotic, as well as, another medication at the same time. Because of the risk for drug interaction-especially theophylline-it is prudent to ensure that your physician and pharmacist are aware of all of the other medications that you are currently taking at the same time as your course of Cipro medication. Ciprofloxacin hcl usually come in a blister pack that needs to be taken steady over the course of at least three days; equaling one course.

As with any drug or antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin hcl, it is important to let your doctor know if you experience any of the side effects. With dosages that exceed 100 mg of the Cipro medication, the common side effects include: headache, yeast infection, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, vaginitis, and/or diarrhea. For most people on the Cipro antibiotic, these side effects don’t last more than a couple days, but if you experience any of these or anything worse it is important to consult with a physician right away.

It is always the best idea to consult with a physician before consuming any medication, but when you have an infection that you body can’t beat on its own. Taking medication such as Cipro antibiotics can give your body the edge that it needs to beat the infection. When taking antibiotics it is extremely important that you finish the full course of Cipro medication as directed, because of the chance of failing to completely eradicate the infection. Watching the side effects and drug interactions when taking ciprofloxacin hcl can be life saving, and every effort should be made to include the physician and pharmacist in all prescriptions and treatments.